McConnell: GOP filibuster of Kagan Supreme Court nomination possible

Washington (CNN) -- The top-ranking Senate Republican refused Sunday to rule out a filibuster against Elena Kagan's confirmation to the Supreme Court.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, told "FOX News Sunday" it was possible that Republicans would try to prevent a vote on Kagan's nomination when the issue comes before the chamber. The Senate Judiciary Committee begins hearings on the nomination June 28.

"I have never filibustered a Supreme Court nominee," McConnell said. "It is possible, but entirely too early to know whether that would be appropriate."

Previously, other Republican senators had indicated a filibuster against Kagan was unlikely. McConnell, however, would only say it was too soon to determine the possibility.

"The option is open under the Senate procedures, but to predict that that might happen at this stage of the game is entirely premature," McConnell said.

Kagan is President Barack Obama's second nominee to the nation's highest court. Last year, the Senate confirmed his first, Justice Sonia Sotomayor.

If confirmed, Kagan would take the seat of retiring Justice John Paul Stevens.